Chair assembly having a movable armrest

ABSTRACT

An armrest for a vehicle chair assembly in which the armrest is equipped with three linkage members to permit the armrest to fold completely out of the way, between the backs of the chairs, when the armrest is not needed.

United States Patent Inventor Chester J. Barecki Grand Rapids, Mich.

Appl. No. 797,989

Filed Feb. 10, 1969 Patented Feb. 16, 1971 Assignee American Seating Company Grand Rapids, Mich.

CHAIR ASSEMBLY HAVING A MOVABLE ARMREST 9 Claims, 13 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl 297/417, 297/1 13 Int. Cl A47c 7/54 Field of Search 297/113,

[ 56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,168,346 2/1965 Rei,Jr. 297/113 7 3,3 74,032 3/1968 Del Giudice 297/417X 3,468,582 9/1969 Judd 297/417X Primary ExaminerCasmir A. Nunberg Attorney-Dawson, Tilton, Fallon and Lungmus ABSTRACT: An armrest for a vehicle chair assembly in which the armrest is equipped with three linkage members to permit the armrest to fold completely out of the way, between the backs of the chairs, when the armrest is not needed.

PATENTED FEBI 6 Ian SHEET 20F 4 BY @awcww, Jiltm alfirru M6 7 ATTORNEYS PATENT EU FEB] 6 I97! SHEET 3 OF 4 INVENTOR Chester J. Borecki PATENTEUFEMIQII 3563604 saw u 0F 4 11 L: INVENTOR Chester J. Borecki BY flaw-mom cZJtmv, Fallow B j ATTORNEYS CHAIR ASSEMBLY HAVING A MOVABLE ARMREST BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a chair assembly such as is used on buses and other vehicles. Normally, two chairs are provided in the assembly, one on the aisle and one adjacent the wall. The invention also has applicability to other installations where greater numbers of chairs are grouped together, for example airplanes and, in general, gathering places where seats are provided requiring restricted passage of persons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The armrest feature of the chair assembly includes a novel linkage arrangement wherein a first link interconnects the chair frame and the rear of the armrest. Second and third interconnected linkage members are also connected between the frame and the armrest forwardly of the first-mentioned linkage member. The coaction of these elements permits the armrest to be moved to a generally vertical stored position between the chairs of the assembly. The stored annrest further will follow the movement of a chair back as the same is positioned in various angles. Provision is made for accidental deflection of the armrest so as to avoid injury to a passenger or other occupant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The invention is explained in conjunction with an illustrative embodiment in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. I is a front perspective view of the vehicle chair with individual backs and seats that can be raised and lowered and with a middle armrest in the position to be used;

FIG. 2 is a partial rear perspective view of the chair assembly of FIG. 1 and with the armrest showing between the chair back;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the chair assembly of FIG. 1 but with the armrest in stored position;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but with the armrest in stored position; I

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 except that the aisle back and armrests are in a position further rearward than that shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of the armrest in the position for usage;

FIG. 7 is a side view similar to that shown in FIG. 6 but with the armrest in a deflected or partially collapsed position;

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the armrest such as would be seen along the sight line 8-8 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary rear viewof the center portion of the vehicle chair, showing the rear view of the armrest;

FIG. I0 is a side sectional view similar to FIG. 8 but with the arm raised slightly in proceeding toward stored position;

FIGS. I1 and 12 are views similar to FIG. but showing the armrest in further upward positions to illustrate the movement to stored position; and

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the armrest.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the first sheet of the drawing which includes FIGS. ll-4, the numeral designates generally the chair assembly of the instant invention. The assembly 20 includes an aisle chair generally designated 21 and a wall chair generally designated 22. Each chair includes a back 23 and a seat 24. Comparing FIGS. I and 5, it will be seen that the back 23 can be moved to a position 23' so as to permit the occupant to recline. Provision is also made for raising and lowering the seats 24 and the operational and stored positions of the seats can be seen in FIGS. I, 3 and 5. Comparing FIGS. I and 2, it will be seen that in FIG. 2 the seat 24 has been moved to the stored position 24'. The numeral 25 generally designates-the frame of the chair assembly and to which reference will be made hereinafter relative to the support of the armrest generally designated 26. The armrest 26 as seen in FIG. 1 is in its operational position for supporting the arms of occupants of the chairs 2] and 22. In FIG. 3, the armrest has been moved to a stored position 26'. In FIG. 5, the armrest has followed the backward tilting of the back 23 and is designated by the numeral 26". Still further, it is possible to depress or partially collapse the armrest'26 downwardly to the position seen in FIG. 7 and that condition is designated by the numeral 26' The operational position of the armrest 26 is seen in FIG. 8. The armrest structure includes the previously referred to armrest 26, a linkage system generally designated 27 which permits the armrest to pivot through a generally vertical arc from the operational position to the storage position into the space provided between the first and second chairs 2] and 22. The armrest structure further includes a linkage mount generally designated 28 which supports the armrest on the frame and lastly, a latching mechanism generally designated 29 (see FIG. 9) which releasably interconnects the armrest 26 with the chair 21 for common movement, i.e., from the stored position 26' of FIG. 4 to the different stored position 26" of FIG. 5.

The armrest 26, as can be appreciated from my comparison of FIGS. 8 and 13, includes a molded foam pad 30 which can be equipped with its own tough protective skin so as not to require covering with upholstery material. The pad 30 is attached to a metal support 31 by virtue of the interengagement of depending studs 32 with keyhole slots 33. A rearwardly directed flange 34 provided integral with the supported foam pad 30 is received within a slot 35 provided in'the front surface of the metal support or arm channel 31. The flange 34 is maintained in position through the agency of a metal screw 36 which extends through the previously-mentioned pad flange 34 and a confronting flange 36 provided as an integral part of the arm channel 31. The arm channel 31 is open at its rear end (there being no counterpart of the slot-providing wall 38) so that the armrest 26 may be foldedto the 26" position seen in FIG. 12 and without interfering with the rear element of the linkage system 27. The rear element of the linkage system (referred to also as the first linkage member) is designated 39 while the second and third linkage members which together constitute the forward articulated link of the'linkage system 27 are designated respectively 40 and 41 (compare FIGS. 11 and 12). For the purpose of avoiding metal-to-metal contact of the armrest and the first linkage member 39 when .the armrest is moved to the 26" position (see FIG. 12), I provide a spacer or pad A2 which is secured interiorly of the arm channel 3] (compare FIGS. 8, I2 and 13).

LINKAGE SYSTEM The third linkage member 41 can be seen in the central portion of FIG. 13 and is interconnected with the second linkage member 40 by means of a pin 43 fixed in place by a suitable E ring 44. Aligned openings as at 45 in the member 41 and at 46 for the upper end of the member 40 are provided for the receipt of the pivot pin 43.

The third linkage member 41 is pivotally connected to the arm channel 31 about midway of the length of the armrest by virtue of a rivet or locking pin 47 which extends through aligned openings 48 in the member 41 and 49 in the arm channel 31. The third linkage member 41 is narrower than the arm channel 31 so as to be readily received therewithin and further to accommodate the interposition of'latch bars 50 and 51 and spacer washers 52 and 53. Each latch bar 50 and SI is equipped with an opening as at 54 for the receipt of the rivet 47 and it will be seen that the forward end of each of the latch bars 50 and 51 is equipped with a latching detent portion as at 55 to releasably confine the third linkage member 41 in the fashion seen in FIG. 8. This same condition of elements persists in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, it will be noticed that the armrest 26 has been raised slightly, i.e., pivoted through a slight vertical are so that the lower end of the second linkage member 40 is no longer in engagement with the frame 25. When, however, further pivotal movement of the armrest 26 occurs so as to reach the condition depicted in FIG. 11, the third linkage member 41 is no longer restrained by the spring detents 55 and the angle between the linkage members 41 and 40 becomes greater. Ultimately, the condition of FIG. 12 is reached where it is seen that the third linkage member 41 is almost completely redirected from its position of FIG. 10.

Each of the latch bars 50 and 51 includes at its rear end an integral spring detent as at 56 and this is employed to restrain or temporarily lock the first linkage member 39 when it is in the FIG. 12 condition. The latch bars 50 and 51 are identical so that they can be used on either side of the arm channel without requiring special left and right-hand parts. The latch bars 50 and 51 are releasably secured in place within the arm channel 31 not only by the rivet 47 but by virtue of an additional rivet 57 (see particularly the upper left-hand portion of FIG. 13) which extends through aligned openings 58 in the arm channel 31 and rear openings 59 in the latch bars 50 and 51.

The rivet 57 also serves the purpose of pivotally interconnecting the first linkage member 39 and the arm channel 31 of the armrest 26. For this purpose, aligned openings 60 are provided in the upper end of the linkage member 39 (see FIG. 13) and spacer washers 61 and 62 are mounted on the rivet 57 to properly position the first linkage member 39 within the arm channel-it will be noted that the washers 61 and 62 are thicker than the washers 52 and 53 to compensate for the interposed width of the third linkage member Al-the first and second linkage members 39 and 40 being of the same width.

Still referring to FIG. 13, it will be seen that the third linkage member 41 is equipped with a top opening 63 which receives a plastic spacer 64 serving to act as a silent stop when the arm rest 26 is being opened for use-preventing a hanging noise or continued squeaking due to vehicular vibrations. (See At its lower end, the first linkage member 39 is equipped with aligned openings as at 65 which permit the pivotal connection of this member to the frame 25. The connection to the frame 25 is achieved through the use of a mounting bracket 66 which is generally channel-shaped and has the flanges thereof equipped with opening 67 adapted to be aligned with the opening 65 and accommodates the receipt of a rivet or pin 68. The mounting bracket 66 is advantageously welded to the center bearing support 69 see FIG. 8 located adjacent the rear stretcher tube 70 of the chair assembly 20. As can be seen in FIG. 10, a front stretcher tube 71 is also provided as part of the frame 25.

The second linkage element 40 is seen to be of telescoping construction including as discrete parts the upper outer linkage part 72 and the lower inner linkage part 73 (see FIG. 13). This telescoping feature permits the partial collapse previously referred to as at 26" in FIG. 7. The interconnection between the parts 72 and 73 is achieved through an expansion spring 74 and spring retainers 75 and 76. The upper spring retainer 75 is provided with a hook portion 77 which is mounted on the pin 43 while the lower retainer 76 is equipped with a looped end 78 which bears against a plug 79 mounted inwardly of the lower part 73. The lower part 73 of the second linkage member 40 is both pivotably and slidably mounted within the bracket 66 by means of a rivet 80 and for this purpose is equipped with aligned elongated slots 81. Similar slots 82 are provided in the plug 79 and spacer washers 83 and 84 are interposed between the lower parts 73 and the flanges of the bracket 66 to compensate for the lesser width of the part 73 than that of the first linkage member 39.

In similar fashion, the first linkage member 39 is equipped with a lower end plug as at 85 (still referring to FIG. 13) which is beveled at its lower end to conform to the same bevel or taper provided at the lower end of the first linkage member 39.

OPERATION In the operation of the armrest 26, the configuration of eleprovided on the frame 25. For example, it is impossible to move the armrest generally horizontally forward because of the stop effected between the tapered lower end portion of the first linkage member 39 (including the plug and the bight portion of the channel-shaped bracket 66. Likewise rear generally horizontal movement is precluded by virtue of the engagement of the extreme lower forward end of the lower part 73 of the second linkage member 40 with'a rigid abutment 86. As can be appreciated from a comparison of FIGS. 8 and 10, the slidable longitudinal movement of the second linkage member 40 relative to its pivotal mounting on the pin 80 permits passage of the extreme lower end 87 of the linkage member 40 beyond the abutment 86. Meanwhile, the detent 55 finnly maintains the third linkage member 41 in place. Then, as the armrest 26 continues in the upward direction, the third linkage member 41 pulls free (see FIG. 11) from the detents 55 and assumes the position of FIG. 12-wherein all of the linkage members are approximately parallel. The aligned slots 81 and 82 in the lower part 73 of the second linkage member 40 enable the lower tube 73 to be pulled beyond the abutment 86 and also permit the armrest 26 to travel backwardly with the back 23 of the aisle chair 21-see FIG. 5.

The armrest 26, when in the folded position 26", travels forward and rearward with the back 23 of the aisle chair 21, making it both inconspicuous and unobtrusive. For this purpose, a latch assembly 29 previously referred to is attached to the tubular frame of the back 23 of the aisle chair 21 by means of a pair of screws 88 (see the left-hand central portion of FIG. 13). The latch assembly 29 includes a spring strap 89 equipped with a nylon stop 90 by means of a pair of pop rivets 91. As the armrest 26 is folded towards the 26' position, the first linkage member 39 strikes the nylon stop 90 which halts the rearward movement of the folding operation and the tip 91 of the nylon stop 90 snaps into a slot 92 provided in the first linkage member 39, holding the first linkage member 39 against the stop 90 so that the arm rest 26 and back 23 will move together. The first linkage member 39 is slotted as at 92 on both sides so that the same device can be used on a chair unit on either side of the aisle without having to be distinguished as a rightor left-hand unit.

The tapering provided at the lower end of the first linkage member 39 also is provided both fore and aft so that the member 39 can be inserted into the mechanism without concern whether the front or back side of the member is oriented properly.

Through the instant invention, 1 have provided an armrest that folds completely out of the way, between the backs of a chair assembly, when the armrest is not in use. Further, the armrest travels with the aisle back so that it is not a protruding hazard when both backs are reclined. Still further, the armrest deflects when a force is applied (as by someone seating) so as to prevent possible injury to the sacrum of a passenger. Additionally, the armrest is locked in both the open and folded or storage positions so that it cannot be accidentally moved out of a desired position which might result in an injury to the occupant by the sudden unexpected movement of the vehicle. The armrest of the instant invention is light in weight but extremely sturdy; it requires a minimum amount of space when in use and makes use of wasted space when stored. Further, the armrest is noiseless, not banging open and does not rattle from vehicular vibrations which is augmented by the constant pressure exerted by the expansion spring 74.

While in the foregoing specification, a detailed description of an embodiment of the invention has been set down for the purpose of explanation, many variations in the details herein given may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Iclaim:

l. A chair assembly having a movable armrest structure comprising first and second chairs arranged in side-by-side relation and having a space therebetween to accommodate an armrest pivotal through a generally vertical are from a first operational position to a second storage position, said chairs being equipped with a rigid frame and at least one chair having a pivotally supported back, a first linkage member pivotally mounted at one end of said frame and movable rearwardly with said chair back, an armrest pivotally connected at one end thereof to the other end of said first linkage member, a second linkage member pivotally and longitudinally slidably mounted at one end on said frame just forward of the mounting on said frame of said first linkage member, a third linkage member pivotally connected at one end to said armrest a spaced distance forward of the connection thereto of said linkage member, means pivotally interconnecting the other ends of said second and third linkage members, said frame being equipped with stop means adjacent the pivotal connection thereof of said first and second linkage members for restricting generally horizontal movement of said armrest from said first operational position.

2. The assembly of claim 1 in. which said second linkage member includes a pair of parts telescopically interrelated, and spring means within said parts urging said second linkage member into extended condition.

3. The assembly of claim l in which said armrest is equipped interiorly thereof with detent means for restricting pivotal movement of said third linkage member until after longitudinal movement of said second linkage member relative to the pivotal connection of said second linkage member on said frame.

4. The assembly of claim 3 in which said armrest is equipped interiorly thereof with second detent means for temporary locking engagement with said first linkage member when said first linkage member is in storage position. I

5. The assembly of 'claim 1 in which said first chair is equipped with latch means for releasably interlocking with said first linkage member to provide conjoint movement of said armrest and the back of said first chair when said back is inclined.

6. The assembly of claim 1 in which said armrest includes a metallic support, said third linkage member including a channel-shaped metallic element, and noise-deadening means interposed between said armrest and third linkage member.

7. In combination, ,a chair frame having a seat and a pivotally mounted back for movement to selected reclining positions, and an armrest pivotally mounted on said frame for movement forwardly to armrest position alongside said chair and rearwardly into alignment with said chair back whereby said armrest and back may move together to said reclining positions.

8. The structure of claim 7 in which said armrest is supported by linkage which elevates said armrest when the armrest is moved into alignment with said back.

9. The structure of claim 7 in which releasable latch means connect said back and armrest when the same are in alignment.

mg UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 0 Dated February 16k 1971 Inventor(s) Chester J. Barecki It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 2, llne 46, change "A2" to 42 Column 3, line 27, change "Al" to 41 Column 3, lines 33 and 34, cancel (See 8) Signed and sealed this 18th day of May 1971.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. WILLIAM E. SCHUYLER, Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patel 

1. A chair assembly having a movable armrest structure comprising first and second chairs arranged in side-by-side relation and having a space therebetween to accommodate an armrest pivotal through a generally vertical arc from a first operational position to a second storage position, said chairs being equipped with a rigid frame and at least one chair having a pivotally supported back, a first linkage member pivotally mounted at one end of said frame and movable rearwardly with said chair back, an armrest pivotally connected at one end thereof to the other end of said first linkage member, a second linkage member pivotally and longitudinally slidably mounted at one end on said frame just forward of the mounting on said frame of said first linkage member, a third linkage member pivotally connected at one end to said armrest a spaced distance forward of the connection thereto of said linkage member, means pivotally interconnecting the other ends of said second and third linkage members, said frame being equipped with stop means adjacent the pivotal connection thereof of said first and second linkage members for restricting generally horizontal movement of said armrest from said first operational position.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 in which said second linkage member includes a pair of parts telescopically interrelated, and spring means within said parts urging said second linkage member into extended condition.
 3. The assembly of claim 1 in which said armrest is equipped interiorly thereof with detent means for restricting pivotal movement of said third linkage member until after longitudinal movement of said second linkage member relative to the pivotal connection of said second linkage member on said frame.
 4. The assembly of claim 3 in which said armrest is equipped interiorly thereof with second detent means for temporary locking engagement with said first linkage member when said first linkage member is in storage position.
 5. The assembly of claim 1 in which said first chair is equipped with latch means for releasably interlocking with said first linkage member to provide conjoint movement of said armrest and the back of said first chair when said back is inclined.
 6. The assembly of claim 1 in which said armrest includes a metallic support, said third linkage member including a channel-shaped metallic element, and noise-deadening means interposed between said armrest and third linkage member.
 7. In combination, a chair frame having a seat and a pivotally mounted back for movement to selected reclining positions, and an armrest pivotally mounted on said frame for movement forwardly to armrest position alongside said chair and rearwardly into alignment with said chair back whereby said armrest and back may move together to said reclining positions.
 8. The structure of claim 7 in which said armrest is supported by linkage which elevates said armrest when the armrest is moved into alignment with said back.
 9. The structure of claim 7 in which releasable latch means connect said back and armrest when the same are in alignment. 